The rope bag is designed for storing and protecting climbing rope. The bag, in addition to carrying the rope, also usually unfolds to provide a flat piece of material or tarp to place the rope on during climbs. The tarp protects the rope from dirt and rock that might impair integrity by causing hard-to-see micro-cuts in the rope's sheath or internal core.
A haul bag refers to a large, tough, and often unwieldy bag into which supplies and climbing equipment may be thrown. A rucksack or day pack often has a webbing haul loop on the top edge.